Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting

For those interested in the latter, Songwriters on Songwriting: The Expanded Version (Da Capo, 1997), a collection of interviews between editor Paul Zollo and a variety of songwriters, including Webb, is the ticket. Here he seeks to impart the tools of the trade to songwriters "who may be attempting the delicate transition from amateur to professional." Covering technical matters from basic chord theory and rhyme schemes to the protocol of pitching songs, Webb draws on a trove of personal anecdotes from a career spanning more than two decades. While Webb's fans will revel in the behind-the-scenes details of his career and a candid view of his artistic process, others may wish that the asides, finger pointing (at arrogant co-writers) and Webb's own pet peeves (e.g., no-talent spouses who insist on songwriting credits on their partner's records) h

Webb brings his insider's knowledge, experience, and star power to the ultimate guide for aspiring songwriters. With a combination of anecdotes, meditation, and advice, he breaks down the creative process from beginning to end--from coping with writer's block, to song construction, chords, and even self-promotion. Webb also gives readers a glimpse into the professional music world.

there's good advice about the logistical fabric of the industry here Kristin Kest This should have been the first book I bought on the subject of songwriting. Yes, there's good advice about the logistical fabric of the industry here, and maybe now there's more current stuff online; HOWEVER, it is Mr. Webb's philosophy on songwriting that makes this book the gem that it is. Webb manages to convey important aspects of the very elusive nature of the art without killing the magic. On top of that, Mr. Webb's writing is hilarious: this is not a dry read by a long shot-- it is chock full of spectacularly great anecdotes. So, even if you skip a few of the chapters of the technical/ theory stuff. "An Absolute Privilege" according to Carl Hose. To be allowed inside the brilliant mind of Jimmy Webb is an absolute privilege. "Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting" is to songwriting what Robert McKee's "Story" is to screenwriting. This book is more than just a how-to book on writing songs. Yes, you get all the nuts and bolts of chords, melodies, and rhythm and the many ways you can use them to create songs. Yes, you get the lowdown on writing great lyrics. It's all here. All you need to do is have the desire, the passion, and pay attention to Jimmy. I'm not even going to talk about all the wonderful songs he's written. If you don't know that, go . It is the very best book in describing the thought processes during the actual pete stockdale A unique book which is as important as any book ever written on cotemporary songwriting. It is the very best book in describing the thought processes during the actual composing process!

A minister's son from Eld City, Oklahoma, Jimmy Webb has been writing songs for over twenty-five years. For more information, visit Jimmy Webb's official website: jimmywebb. The only artist to receive Grammy Awards for music, lyrics, and orchestration, he is a member of the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters' Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters' Hall of Fame. Jimmy Webb lives in New York State. Accor